Beginning Thursday, motorists traveling Interstate 44 using the No. 184 Interchange may want to consider an alternate option, as the Missouri Department of Transportation is proceeding with lane restrictions on the highway, and the delays in the area may take as long as 45 minutes to an hour.
MoDOT will begin head-to-head traffic on Interstate 44 in the eastbound lanes from that interchange to the Sugar Tree Exit (Mile Marker 176) beginning Thursday. Motorists traveling the nine-plus miles of interstate should expect delays, as more than 26,000 vehicles travel that stretch of highway daily.
Traffic is expected to remain head-to-head from Route E to Sugar Tree through the end of November, with posted speed restrictions. Travel time is expected to increase in this area during construction, as traffic in both directions is reduced to one lane. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes whenever possible.
An alternate route for those motorists traveling to or from the Kingshighway (184) exit is to use Martin Springs Drive to Doolittle and then Eisenhower Drive to the Sugar Tree exit. This also is Historic Old Route 66.
“I would encourage everyone to take an alternate route. This is historic, so that’s good, too,” said MoDOT South Central District Communications Director Christina Turkleson.
Turkleson said the stretch of interstate on a given Friday is estimated to have delays of 45 minutes to an hour.
“I just checked on this before calling you back,” Turkleson said. “On any given Friday, those delays are expected to be 45 minutes to an hour, so, yes, alternate routes would be highly recommended.”
MoDOT officials said closure of the westbound traffic lanes in favor of head-to-head traffic speeds construction work.
“Closing those lanes allows the contractors to complete the project much more quickly, and once completed the project will provide a smooth and durable ride for motorists,” said Vicki Woods, resident engineer with MoDOT.
Also, there will be four ramp closures.
The estimated project completion date is Dec. 1.
